Iran's second half rally help them beat Pakistan 32-3

Iran produced a superb second half rally to beat Pakistan by 32 points to 3 points in their IRB Singer Rugby Asiad Shield championship match worked off at the CR and FC grounds in Longden Place yesterday.

Iran coming out for the first time in the competition settled down well after an initial setback to register a convincing victory at the end while collecting their points from three goals, one try and two penalties having led 10-3 at half time. Pakistan managed to score just a solitary penalty.

Iran were restricted to a solitary try during the first half of the game as Pakistan gave an improved performance having earlier gone down to their arch rivals India in their opening encounter.

The Pakistanis despite fielding a heavy pack failed to capitalize on the possession as they fumbled a number of scoring opportunities in the first half.

In contrast Iran rallied around through their speedy three quarters and looked dangerous whenever they worked the line.

In fact center Ahmed Tehadpoor opened scoring for Iran with a good try with Yousef Jalali adding the extra points and later also put over a penalty. Iran completely dominated the second half as they added three more tires to their tally and went on to register an emphatic victory.

Number eight M. Rasouli scored twice and in between flanker Ahmed Zaremanesh touched down once for the winners. Jalali fired across another penalty in the second half while fly half Darvood Ayoubi converted one try.

Centre Ul Haq Zafer put over the solitary penalty for Pakistan. Iran will take on India in the next game on November 8.

Referee: Lin Hsieh (Chinese Taipei)

C.D.